Looks like the Lava U is discontinued. Amazon Canada blowing them out CHEAP

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baconsalad

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Concert for 300 cad pesos (~$225usd) and tenor for 320 cad pesos (~$235usd). Many reviewers on youtube and all liked them more than me. I have the concert and I did not like the high action, silly proprietary strap (not-included NOR available), the absolutely stupid case, and cheezy effects. Still the sound (without the cheezy effects) is pleasant and build quality and tuners are great. The action and strap issue is fixable and at this price I'm tempted to get the tenor as I don't have a weather resistant beater tenor for around the campfire. If anyone is looking for something different or durable....
 
High action can easily be lowered, to me it's a non issue.
 
How much is it usually? Price tracker says it was previously $379 or is that wrong?
 
As a reviewer, the Lava wasn’t my favorite, for two reasons. First, the case was functionally useless (guaranteed to be scratched up and destroyed) and second it was just a darker sound than I prefer.

And you’re right…the whole proprietary strap situation was silly.

But it was a fun period of time where a bunch of polycarbonate ukuleles hit the market with some new technology.

If Lava is “selling” stock that is sitting, it may not mean they are out of business. But it does indicate that the instrument was too expensive than what is should have been. It should have been priced the same as the Enya Nova Pro with AcousticPlus.
 
baconsalad said:
Concert for 300 cad pesos (~$225usd) and tenor for 320 cad pesos (~$235usd). Many reviewers on youtube and all liked them more than me. I have the concert and I did not like the high action, silly proprietary strap (not-included NOR available), the absolutely stupid case, and cheezy effects. Still the sound (without the cheezy effects) is pleasant and build quality and tuners are great. The action and strap issue is fixable and at this price I'm tempted to get the tenor as I don't have a weather resistant beater tenor for around the campfire. If anyone is looking for something different or durable....
Click to expand...
I bought one a few years ago, but it wouldn't turn on. So much for dealer prep! 😋 I returned it for a refund.
 
KohanMike said:
High action can easily be lowered, to me it's a non issue.
Click to expand...
To an extent...I went and bought one. The string height at 12 is 3.9mm. Lava says their factory spec is 3-3.5mm. To take it down to my barely acceptable 2.5mm would mean shaving 2.6 mm from the saddle - and there is not 2.6mm of saddle available to shave. This one was clearly used too. Likely returned for this reason. Back it goes.
 
I almost bought one of these several months ago. They're interesting looking and unique enough to add to the stable but resisted the temptation.
 
rainbow21 said:
Got A Ukulele has a 2020 review:

www.gotaukulele.com

Lava Music Lava U 26 inch Tenor Ukulele - REVIEW

Got A Ukulele looks at the new Lava U Tenor from Lava Music
www.gotaukulele.com www.gotaukulele.com
Click to expand...
With a score of 8.3, it would have to cost half of what Amazon is asking to tempt me.

Whoops! I see the concert is available for $199, and the tenor for $219.

 
Patty said:
In the “comments” section beneath Barry’s review, one reader remarked that it looks like a bedpan with a handle.

BTW, that was one of the most meticulous and exhaustive reviews I’ve ever read. Yeoman work, @bazmaz!
Click to expand...
"Exhaustive", yes! I was exhausted after reading it! 😋 Baz always gives us the best reviews. Even though Amazon is offering it for $199, I'm going to resist. I have an Enya U that cost $79.
 
Thanks for the tip, I was looking for a more weather resistant uke given the rainy weather here in Sydney recently.

Amazon.com.au has the concert reduced to $149 Australian dollarydoos ($99 USD) and with the cheapest non-transacoustic Enya being $125 and never discounted by much in Australia, I bought the last one in blue.

Initial impressions:
  • Yep, it does have a feel of an "Apple iUke"
  • Case looks really, really cool, but is realistically too heavy to be practical. That's a bit of a downer because I will need something to carry it around. They really should of applied the Apple philosophy of making it thin and light...
  • Feels premium, I need to get used to the plasti... I mean carbon fibre instead of the wood.
  • Fun with the effects. I have a Yamaha transacoustic guitar so I don't get the novelty factor feeling this time around but it does make soloing with it sound just a little richer.
  • Even though I play with my fingers, somehow, I think I need to attach a pick guard.
It seems okay for the price not considering the transacoustic system, and a great deal considering it! Will see how I bond with it.
 
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